Louis C. Ball

Louis C. Ball, 89, of Catawba Island, passed away on April 22, 2025, at Firelands Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 25, 1936, in Dayton, Ohio, to Howard and Savella (Custer) Ball. At the age of seven, Lou moved to Port Clinton, where he later graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1954.

In 1957, Lou enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country for 10 years in cryptanalysis and administrative roles supporting national security efforts. Following his military service, he began a distinguished 31-year career at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. There, he contributed to pivotal space satellite and submarine programs, as well as the Strategic Defense Initiative, retiring in 1998. His work took him to locations across the globe, and he remained deeply proud of his 41 years of service to his country.

Lou lived in Maryland, Arizona, and North Carolina before returning home to Port Clinton in 2004. He was an active member of the Port Clinton Elks Lodge, where he helped with Sunday breakfasts and was honored by the annual Lou Ball Fish Fry. He also held past memberships with the American Legion, AMVETS, and the Eagles.

Lou enjoyed traveling, fishing, card games, gambling, and working on crossword and acrostic puzzles. He was known for his easygoing nature, thoughtfulness, and deep patriotism. He loved salt, soft pretzels, and ice cream — simple pleasures that brought him joy. His warm smile and friendly presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his fiancée, Rebecca Fahey; his children, Susan (Antonio) Leon, Stephanie (Michael) Lamont, and Brian (Lydia) Ball; his stepchildren, Julie (Dean) Henry, Joan Jones, John (Shelley) Bergman, and Jennifer (Mark) Zaremba; grandchildren, Angela, Monica, and Michael (Melissa) Lamont, Brent (Rebecca), Brock, and Abby (Brandon Hofler) Ball; step-grandchildren Preston, Zack, Parker, Brittany, Billy, Ernie, John Michael, Seth, Joshua and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Gage, Brody, and Braxton Ball; Cambrie, Savannah, and Rowan Lamont; and Cali Martin and Colin Lamont; 7 step-great-grandchildren, his nieces, Julie Balduf, Mary Hutton, Jessica Albright and Abbi Ball; many great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, R. Nicholas (Diana) Ball, and half-sister, Leah (Steve) Tusen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Ball, stepfather John Short, his mother Savella Short, and his former wives, Patricia Sutter, Carole West, and Cynthia S. Ruddick Ball.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory in Port Clinton. A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Warren Brown at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Port Clinton, with visitation one hour prior at church beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery Columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lou’s honor to the Port Clinton Elks Lodge or Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.